San Jose Apartment Homicide May be Linked to Organized Crime and Prostitution Ring: Sources

Two men forced their way into a North San Jose apartment and fatally shot a resident late Thursday and investigators are considering the murder to be linked to organized crime and prostitution. Robert Handa reports. (Published Friday, Sept. 29, 2017)

Two men forced their way into a North San Jose apartment and fatally shot a resident late Thursday and investigators are considering the murder to be linked to organized crime and prostitution.

Officers responded to the 300 block of Elan Village Lane around 8:40 p.m. after getting a report that someone had been shot inside a unit in a possible home invasion. The victim was taken to an area hospital, police said, but did not survive.

A police sergeant on scene told NBC Bay Area that two men were inside an apartment when a pair of suspects burst inside. Sources say two suspects forced their way into the unit, tied up the two victims, shot a man ‘execution’ style but did not shoot the other occupant and later left without taking anything.

The victims spoke only Chinese and officers were hoping to find a translator before the man died from his wounds.

According to neighbors, the two occupants had just moved in about a week ago. A neighbor said he heard what may have been a cap gun, but didn't think any of it and so didn't call police.

Investigators are now looking into the possibility of the shooting being linked to an organized crime ring in San Jose dealing with prostitution. A resident of the apartment complex believes he has seen it happen there himself.

“In fact, there’s one suspected prostitution ring on my floor.” said the apartment resident, David Kosanke. “Let’s just say there are some ‘strange’ men walking in and out all the time that don’t live here.”

The Santa Clara County coroner’s office has yet to identify the victim. Police say the department has no new information to release at the time but could change soon.

People with information about the case are asked to contact Detective Brian Meeker or Detective Sergeant Raul Martinez at 408-277-5283. Those who wish to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at 408-947-7867.